Matthew Stafford NFL Fantasy Profiles

News

Generates 385 passing yards in tie

Stafford completed 27 of 45 passes for 385 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions during Sunday's 27-27 tie with the Cardinals. He added three rushes for 22 yards and had two fumbles (one lost).

Analysis: It was a game of ups and downs for Detroit, but fantasy football managers nonetheless have to be encouraged by what they saw from Stafford in his first regular-season game under new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Not only does Stafford already have as many three-touchdown games as he had last season, but this was his highest yardage total since Week 8 in 2017 as well as his most rushing yards since Week 2 in 2017. While we'll need a larger sample size to gain trust in Stafford week-in…read more

Published: Sun, Sep 8 at 5:43pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Looks sharp in preseason action

Stafford completed 12 of 19 passes for 137 yards and one touchdown during Friday's preseason game against the Bills.

Analysis: Stafford saw significant run in what was his first and presumably final appearance of the preseason. While he looked sharp in his first game action under new coordinator Darrell Bevell, Stafford's overall outlook is trending down after stud center Frank Ragnow (leg) went down with a seemingly serious injury. At least Stafford has a relatively soft matchup to start the 2019 season against a Cardinals defense that won't have Patrick Peterson (suspension) available to play.

Published: Sat, Aug 24 at 9:08am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Warming up Friday

Stafford is taking part in warmups Friday against the Bills, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Analysis: It looks like Stafford could get into some game action during this third preseason contest, which traditionally serves as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. If nothing else, Stafford's participation in warmups lends credence to his claims that last year's back injury is no longer bothering him.

Published: Fri, Aug 23 at 4:38pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Insists he's healthy

Stafford said his back injury from last year isn't a lingering issue, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Analysis: MLive.com's Kyle Meinke suggests there may be something going on with Stafford, who has been rested for a few practices and held out for the first two weeks of the preseason. The 31-year-old quarterback insists he's healthy, noting that the back injury he played through last year didn't even require offseason surgery. A strong showing in Friday's preseason game against Buffalo could put the matter to rest.

Published: Mon, Aug 19 at 12:36pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

DNP against Texans

Stafford did not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Texans.

Analysis: Stafford got the night off alongside other select starters. However, it wouldn't be a surprise if he sees up to a quarter of playing time in the third exhibition tilt next Friday against the Bills.

Published: Sat, Aug 17 at 8:27pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Hobbled late in 2018

According to Mike O'Hara of the Lions' official site, Stafford played with "broken bones in his back" during the later stages of the 2018 season.

Analysis: A regular on Lions injury reports over the final four weeks of the campaign, Stafford wasn't listed as less than limited on any of them while gutting out a back injury. The extent of the issue wasn't revealed until O'Hara's proclamation, though. With that knowledge, it's understandable why Stafford dipped below 200 passing yards twice in that four-game stretch after doing so just two times in the first 12 contests of the season. His health hasn't been a question mark during the offseason…read more

Published: Tue, Jun 18 at 12:58pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Set to work with new coordinator

Stafford will work with a new offensive coordinator in 2019 after the Lions hired Darrell Bevell to replace Jim Bob Cooter, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Cooter helped Stafford produce three straight seasons (2015-17) with at least 7.2 yards per attempt and a completion percentage above 65, but the Lions opted not to renew their coordinator's contract after a disappointing 2018 campaign. Personnel seemed to be a bigger problem than coaching, with Golden Tate traded away in late October and Marvin Jones suffering a season-ending knee injury shortly thereafter. It didn't help that the team insisted on giving LeGarrette Blount carries (154) even as…read more

Published: Mon, Jan 21 at 12:55pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Finishes 2018 on high note

Stafford completed 20 of 32 pass attempts for 266 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 31-0 win against the Packers.

Analysis: Entering Week 17, Stafford was coming off a gauntlet run of elite NFL secondaries. A veteran with seven consecutive 4,200-yard passing seasons prior to 2018, Stafford was limited to an underwhelming 187.7 passing yards per game with a 5:5 TD:INT ratio over his past six outings. This slump having come while facing four of the league's 10 best pass defenses in Buffalo, Minnesota, Arizona and Chicago, Stafford was poised for a bounce-back performance taking on a Green Bay defense that entered the…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 30 at 12:55pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Brutal performance in loss

Analysis: Stafford moved the ball well early, but he couldn't finish off drives as his team took a 9-0 lead on three field goals. The offense completely stalled after that, and Detroit's starting quarterback was even removed for backup Matt Cassel in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand for the opposition. Even if the Lions decide against shutting Stafford down for the meaningless finale in Green Bay, his 1,126 passing yards and 3:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the past six weeks don't…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 23 at 2:47pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Active Week 16

Stafford (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Analysis: Stafford has contended with a back injury in advance of each of the Lions' past three contests, but again it won't stop him from being available, marking his 127th consecutive start. In the previous two outings, he combined for only 309 yards and one touchdown at a clip of 5.9 yards per attempt, numbers that he may replicate versus a Minnesota pass defense that has allowed just 170.8 yards per game, three touchdowns and 6.3 YPA to quarterbacks over the last five games.

Published: Sun, Dec 23 at 8:41am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

On track to play

Stafford (back), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, is expected to play, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Analysis: Given Stafford's history of playing at less-than-optimal health, there never seemed to be much concern that he wouldn't be available in Week 16, especially after he was at least able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday through Friday. Though he'll likely be good to go, Stafford's weekly fantasy utility has taken a significant hit in the second half with a number of injuries befalling the Lions' skill-position players. Stafford should at least be buoyed by top wideout Kenny Golladay (chest)…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 23 at 5:22am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Questionable for Week 16

The Lions are listing Stafford (back) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Analysis: Stafford's practice participation was limited throughout the week while he manages the back issue, which has been plaguing him for much of the past month. Even with the postseason out of reach for the Lions, it's not expected that Stafford is at major risk of sitting out this weekend, given his lengthy track record of playing through pain. Still, he won't make for an alluring fantasy option due to the poor collection of talent surrounding him. Star running back Kerryon Johnson (knee) joined…read more

Published: Fri, Dec 21 at 12:44pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Remains limited at practice

Stafford (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Analysis: Stafford's reps were also restricted Wednesday, but coach Matt Patricia hasn't suggested that any shutdown plan is in the works for the star quarterback, who hasn't missed a start since 2010. Even if he advances to full participation in practice Friday to clear up concern about his back injury, Stafford should be viewed as a low-end fantasy option after posting a 5:5 TD:INT over his past seven games while failing to eclipse 300 passing yards in any of those outings.

Published: Thu, Dec 20 at 1:27pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Limited by back again

Stafford (back) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: For the third straight week, the Lions are placing a cap on Stafford's reps due to the back injury. However, his ensuing pair of performances yielded just 309 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions on 52 pass attempts. While there's not much doubt that he'll be available Week 16, a matchup with the Vikings' fourth-ranked pass defense isn't exactly enticing.

Published: Wed, Dec 19 at 1:25pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Quiet in road loss

Stafford (back) completed 22 of 29 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 14-13 loss to Buffalo.

Analysis: Stafford did most of his damage when hooking up with Kenny Golladay, who accounted for 146 of Stafford's 208 yards. The quarterback's lone touchdown was a four-yard score to Andy Jones in the second quarter. With a 3:3 touchdown to interception ratio over the past five games and fewer than 250 passing yards in each of those contests, Stafford shouldn't be on the radar in one-quarterback formats against the Vikings in Week 16.

Published: Sun, Dec 16 at 1:10pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Available Week 15

Stafford (back) is active for Sunday's game at Buffalo.

Analysis: Despite tending to a back injury, Stafford will be available for the second week in a row. That said, he's facing the Bills' No. 1 pass defense without the services of Kerryon Johnson (knee) and Bruce Ellington (hamstring), so Stafford doesn't exactly have the greatest matchup.

Published: Sun, Dec 16 at 8:44am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Expects to suit up Sunday

Stafford expects to play through a back injury Sunday at Buffalo, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports. "I played with it last week, so I plan on playing with it again," Stafford said Friday.

Analysis: Limited by the issue for a second consecutive week, Stafford nonetheless is set on suiting up, as intimated by his comment. In his first attempt to do so, he managed just 101 passing yards Week 14 at Arizona, and an upcoming matchup with the top-ranked Bills pass defense isn't exactly inviting, especially with Kerryon Johnson (knee) and Bruce Ellington (hamstring) unavailable.

Published: Fri, Dec 14 at 1:03pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Remains limited Thursday

Stafford (back) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday.

Analysis: Stafford was tagged as limited on Wednesday's estimated injury report, so maintaining that level of activity in an actual practice signals he'll be fine to play through a back injury for a second consecutive game Sunday against the Bills' top-ranked pass defense. In the first one, he managed a career-worst 101 yards, no touchdowns and zero picks on 15-for-23 passing Week 14 in Arizona.

Published: Thu, Dec 13 at 1:11pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Starts week limited

Stafford (back) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Analysis: Stafford played through the same injury during Sunday's 17-3 win over the Cardinals, completing 15 of 23 passes for a career-low 101 yards. He should be able to play again this week, but there isn't much cause for optimism in a road matchup with a Buffalo defense that has surrendered just 6.4 yards per pass attempt, the second-best mark in the NFL.

Published: Wed, Dec 12 at 1:39pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Posts career low in passing yardage

Stafford completed 15 of 23 passes for 101 yards during Sunday's 17-3 victory over Arizona. He also rushed once for seven yards.

Analysis: Playing with a sore back that limited him in practice all week, Stafford had trouble finding open receivers against a Patrick Peterson-led secondary that entered the game ranked 10th in terms of yards allowed per pass attempt (7.2). He ultimately finished with his all-time lowest yardage output in any game he's started and finished, though the Lions pulled out the win on the back of strong defense and a serviceable running game. Without Marvin Jones Jr. (knee) and Golden Tate (traded to…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 9 at 4:38pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Suiting up Week 14

Analysis: Stafford will shrug off the back injury that limited him in practice all week, making his 125th start in a row in the process. Although he can be relied upon to be available from game to game, his current weapons don't give him the best chance to succeed. With Golden Tate in Philadelphia, Marvin Jones (knee) on injured reserve and Kerryon Johnson (knee) inactive, Stafford has had modest production the last two contests, totaling 481 yards and one touchdown versus three interceptions.

Published: Sun, Dec 9 at 11:58am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Trending toward playing Week 14

Stafford (back), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, is expected to play, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Analysis: With 124 consecutive starts under his belt, Stafford is about as durable as they come at quarterback, so his status never looked to be in serious peril even after the back issue limited his participation in practice throughout the week. While he'll be less 100 percent healthy if he suits up, the greater concern for Stafford may be the lack of playmakers surrounding him on offense. For the third straight game, the Lions will be without the services of both top running back Kerryon Johnson (knee)…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 9 at 5:20am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Listed as questionable for Sunday

Stafford (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest in Arizona.

Analysis: Although Stafford was limited in practice all week, he ranks second among active offensive players in consecutive starts with 124, so he has a streak to uphold. Assuming he's active this weekend, he'll be facing a tough Cardinals defense that is fifth against the pass (220.4 yards per game) and has allowed the third-fewest scores (16) to quarterbacks in 12 contests this season.

Published: Fri, Dec 7 at 1:05pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Limited Thursday

Stafford (back) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

Analysis: Estimated as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report, Stafford maintained that level of activity Thursday. Like wide receiver Kenny Golladay (quadriceps), Stafford doesn't appear to be in danger of missing Sunday's game at Arizona, but his status will continue to be monitored as the weekend draws closer.

Published: Thu, Dec 6 at 1:24pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Limited with back issue

Stafford was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a back injury, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis: With no reports indicating Stafford's back issue is a concern, he should be able to play Sunday in Arizona, flanked by a depleted supporting cast that also includes wideouts Kenny Golladay (quad) and Bruce Ellington (back), who were also limited Wednesday. The Cardinals have allowed just 7.2 yards per pass attempt and 1.4 passing scores per game, typically getting gouged on the ground instead.

Published: Wed, Dec 5 at 2:17pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Solid in defeat

Stafford completed 20 of 33 passes for 245 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the Lions' 30-16 loss to the Rams on Sunday. He also gained two yards on his sole rush and lost a fumble.

Analysis: Stafford turned in a serviceable stat line for fantasy purposes, but he still committed another pair of turnovers, including an interception in the end zone with 17 seconds remaining that snuffed out any last hopes the Lions may have had of completing a comeback. The veteran signal-caller is clearly hampered in an offense that's now down two of its top three receivers from the start of the season, and that was missing star rookie running back Kerryon Johnson (knee) on Sunday as well. Stafford…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 2 at 2:11pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Sinks team's chances with two picks

Stafford completed 28 of 38 passes for 236 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in the Lions' 23-16 loss to the Bears on Thursday.

Analysis: Stafford's final line was adequate in terms of completion percentage and yardage, but an absence of touchdown passes coupled with his two interceptions told the tale of the afternoon. The veteran quarterback's first pick was returned for a touchdown by Eddie Jackson with six minutes remaining and the game deadlocked at 16-16. However, Stafford appeared to be on his way to rallying the Lions for a potential game-tying touchdown before he was intercepted yet again by Kyle Fuller at the Bears'…read more

Published: Thu, Nov 22 at 12:55pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Avoids mistakes in Week 11 win

Stafford completed 23 of 37 passes for 220 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in the Lions' 20-19 win over the Panthers on Sunday. He also gained six yards on three rushes.

Analysis: Stafford managed to stay away from any miscues, making it his second interception-free game in the last three. The veteran signal-caller generated a solid performance despite the absence of Marvin Jones (knee), as he found Kenny Golladay on eight occasions for 113 yards and also displayed solid rapport with the recently arrived Bruce Ellington (6-52). Stafford will look to put together another solid effort in four days against the Bears in a Thanksgiving Day divisional battle, a game that Jones…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 18 at 2:15pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Pair of touchdowns in losing effort

Stafford completed 25 of 42 passes for 274 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the Lions' 34-22 loss to the Bears on Sunday. He also rushed twice for nine yards and fumbled once but got the recovery.

Analysis: Stafford put up over 40 pass attempts for the second time in the last three games with the Lions facing a large deficit, which also led to his fifth game of over 270 passing yards this season. He also has thrown multiple touchdowns in six of his last seven contests, with Kenny Golladay and Kerryon Johnson on the receiving end of his passing scores Sunday. The fact he lost Marvin Jones to a knee injury in the second half certainly didn't help Stafford's cause, and he ultimately ran out of time…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 11 at 2:20pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Held under 200 yards

Stafford completed 25 of 36 passes for 199 yards without a touchdown or interception in Sunday's 24-9 loss to the Vikings. He also rushed five times for six yards and lost a fumble.

Analysis: Stafford was under siege throughout, taking 10 sacks. His fumble came on a regrettable decision to pitch the ball back to his running back on the outside, leading to a 32-yard Vikings defensive touchdown when the play went awry. If Stafford doesn't get better protection in Week 10 against the ferocious Bears defense, he could be in for another ugly afternoon.

Published: Sun, Nov 4 at 2:30pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com